Norton Highlights D.C. Victories in INVEST in America Act, Passed in Transportation & Infrastructure Committee Last Week

Press Release

Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Chair of the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit, today highlighted provisions benefitting the District of Columbia she got included in the INVEST in America Act, which the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure passed last week.

"The INVEST in America Act is an unprecedented investment in our infrastructure, providing a 54 percent increase over the current level," Norton said. "The bill reauthorizes for another 10 years special federal funding Metro receives for capital improvements and, importantly, increases the authorized funding level each year until it reaches $200 million." Metro has been receiving $150 million per year.

Among other things, the bill:

Provides D.C. with the following earmarks, totaling $20 million:
$3 million to implement two sections of protected bike lanes.
$4 million to create a pedestrian connection across the Anacostia River to the U.S. National Arboretum.
$4 million for the Bus Priority Program, which would construct three sections of the bus network.
$3 million to replace the structurally deficient H Street Bridge by Union Station.
$3 million to complete the eight-mile Metropolitan Branch Trail by connecting an existing section trail in Takoma with a new 1.75-mile section in Fort Totten.
$3 million to maintain and repair roads throughout the District through the Pavement Restoration, National Highway Performance Program.
Reauthorizes special federal funding for Metro capital improvements for another 10 years, beginning with $150 million in fiscal year 2022 and increasing each year until it reaches $200 million in the final year.
Establishes a pilot project to offer reduced transit fares for low-income riders.
Triples funding for Amtrak over five years to support intercity passenger rail service on the Northeast Corridor and the National Network.
Reauthorizes a grant program to prohibit racial profiling by law enforcement during traffic stops, a program a Norton bill created.
Provides $3 billion for projects to reconnect neighborhoods historically bifurcated by highways and other infrastructure projects.
Expands eligibility for safe routes to school.
Provides $2 billion per year exclusively for complete streets and other Vision Zero investments.
Increases protections for transit workers against assaults.
Provides the Metro Inspector General with more independence, including independent budget, procurement and hiring authority.
More detailed information about the INVEST in America Act, including bill text, fact sheet, and section-by-section summary, can be found here.

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